Rangers centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez has reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria, insisting that representing the Super Eagles was always his dream despite being born and raised in England.
The 25-year-old London-born defender, who is eligible to represent both countries through his Nigerian parentage, made the comments while on international duty ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
For Fernandez, wearing Nigeria’s green-and-white jersey represents the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.
“Playing for Nigeria, for my country, is something I have always wanted, and I have waited for it my whole career, so I will be very proud,” Fernandez said.
“I may not have been born in Nigeria, but this is the country I am from. Now I need to show why I am here and prove I belong at this level.”
From Non-League Football to Rangers
Fernandez’s journey to the Super Eagles has been far from conventional.
Released by the Brentford academy without making a senior appearance, the defender spent several years working his way through non-league football with clubs including Sheppey United, Margate, Ramsgate and Barnet, alongside spells at Gillingham.
His career took a significant turn after joining Peterborough United, where his performances helped put him back on the radar of bigger clubs.
In the summer of 2025, Rangers secured his services for a relatively modest fee.
Fernandez quickly established himself at Ibrox, enjoying an impressive debut season in which he became an important figure in the Rangers defence.
The commanding centre-back also proved a threat from set pieces, scoring several goals, while his performances earned him Rangers’ Men’s Player of the Season award and a place in the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Season.
His rapid development attracted interest from several major European clubs, reportedly including Arsenal, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Rennes.
From Rangers to the Super Eagles
International recognition soon followed.
After discussions with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, Fernandez committed his international future to Nigeria in early 2026.
He made his Nigeria debut as a substitute in a 2-1 friendly victory over Iran in March before scoring on his first start in a 2-2 draw against Jordan.
He has since added further appearances and is now preparing for his first competitive international matches.
Nigeria will face Madagascar in Uyo on Friday before travelling to play Guinea-Bissau as the Super Eagles begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Fernandez has yet to play a competitive international match on Nigerian soil and admitted he is eagerly anticipating the experience.
The defender also revealed that former Super Eagles captains William Troost-Ekong and Joseph Yobo, alongside Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, were among his childhood role models.
Ready for the Pressure
Fernandez endured some criticism during the early stages of the current season at Rangers but has since rediscovered his form, forming a promising defensive partnership with new arrival Olwethu Makhanya.
Rather than being intimidated by the expectations surrounding Rangers, Fernandez says he embraces the pressure that comes with playing for one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.
That mentality could now prove valuable to Nigeria as Chelle continues to build his squad.
For the Super Eagles, Fernandez offers another physically imposing option at centre-back, while his clear commitment to Nigeria adds an important personal dimension to his international journey.
Born in London but proudly embracing his Nigerian heritage, Fernandez now has an opportunity to establish himself at the heart of the Super Eagles defence and prove that the country he always dreamed of representing made the right call by bringing him into the fold.
